TEHRAN Director General of the Hague-based Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (opcw) Jose M. Boustani called Iran the latest victim of the chemical weapons. He lauded Iran's membership of the convention on prohibition of chemical weapons and its efforts to implement all the provisions of the convention. He made the remarks in a meeting with Vice-Speaker of the Majlis, Hassan Rowhani. Boustani further stated that Iran can be a great ally to the OPCW. Briefing Rowhani on the activities of the OPCW, Boustani said the organization has so far conducted 400 inspection operations in 32 countries.

Only the OPCW's inspectors are entitled to inspect and monitor the implementation of the convention for prohibition of chemical weapons. Referring to the Islamic Reachings which bans use of any kind of mass destruction weapons, Rowhani said Iran has made its utmost to universalize the convention. Assuming the convention especially article 10 and 11 as applicable to all the members, the Iranian Majlis approved Iran's membership of the convention.

Article 10 and 11 stress that the there should be no ban on transfer of technology or equipment to the member states used for production of peaceful chemical substances. Referring to certain rules the U.S. congress has set forth for implementation of the convention, Rowhani said this move indicates insincerity of the U.S in joining the convention. He further warned against any political abuse of the OPCW by the big powers.

(IRNA)